Russian military uniforms
In the history of Russian military uniforms from 1756 to 1796 stands out. Persevere with the struggle between progressive and reactionary tendencies in the national martial art of indirect left its imprint on the development and improvement of equipment and uniform of the Russian troops.
The level of development of the Russian economy was a major base for the transformation of the Russian army in the modern era for the military. Advances in metallurgy contributed to increased production of weapons and firearms. Increased the number of light cavalry. It has become more of Artillery, Engineering and Jager team consisting of sharpshooters equipped with “vintovalnymi” guns. The introduction of military uniforms, comfortable in combat and field conditions, took place is not easy.
During the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) and a long time after the end of the uniforms of officers and soldiers of the Russian army is mainly differed little from the Prussian army uniforms. The difference was mainly in the colors of clothes. With the advent of the Russian army hussars for them was found different from other regiments, uniforms, borrowed from the Austrian imperial troops. Changes in the design of clothes and change some of its parts to the end of the 70 years of the XVIII century as a whole did not change the appearance of soldiers. Learn more about russian army uniforms.
However, in the course of military reform 80 years, consider the experience of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, the army appeared more comfortable than ever before, the military form. Initiated its introduction was supported by advanced military leaders of the country’s military president of the state board of Field Marshal GA Potemkin. Seeking entry into the Russian troops more simple and comfortable clothing, and persuasively argued that as a result of these changes, “the soldier will be healthier and lishas nifty chains, agile and braver.” Explaining why in our country appeared uncomfortable clothing, Potemkin wrote: “In Russia, when introduced regulyarstvo, included foreign officers with pedantry of that time, and our not knowing the price of things straight military projectile pochli all sacred and as mysterious. They thought that is regulyarstvo braids, hats, valves, cuffs, a rifle and receptions Protsch. Occupying himself to be rubbish, and to this day do not know the good things and the most important revolutions, and as to the health of a gun, then polishing and polishing preferred kindness , and almost do not know how to shoot. short, clothing and accoutrements of our troops is that the best way to think about the oppression of the soldiers … The beauty of military clothing is equality and things according to their use. Dress to be a soldier’s clothing, but not in burden unto any panache must destroy, because it is the product of luxury, time consuming, dependents and servants, which the soldier can not be … curl, powder, weave braids – a soldier this case, they have no valets. And what do convex? (curls). Everyone must agree that useful to clean and scratch your head, rather than burden the powder, lard, flour, pins, braids. Toilet soldier should be: that up – it is ready … ” Next Potemkin said: “When the whole regiment or squadron is assigned to build, up to twelve hours to use them must necessarily be to retract themselves mutually braids and transmit a night of unrest in this and without sleep; why would inevitably be followed by the inevitable lapse in other necessary corrections that which sent such a night in hardship, they do not have the strength to change their other cases, as for example, to clean and feed their horses, or if this and omissions do not, without being backed up by a dream, are weak, and little sluggishness capable These actions, which are needful vigor, vitality and strength. ”
Advantages of the new uniforms, introduced in the 1780s, the Russian soldiers to assess immediately after his appearance in the army. In place of the narrow, full range of motion coat, came handy, free-shouldered jacket is made of thick, durable cloth. Her short front floors were bent up and fastened with buttons. Behind, in the hem, was cut. Now nothing embarrassed soldier on the march or during fast running. Color jacket lapels, lapels on the chest, as well as the stripes on the pants, depended on the type of troops. Brass buttons, highly polished, decorated lapels, cuffs and collar of his jacket. On the left shoulder of the collar also sew on buttons. To her wear seat shoulder straps or epaulettes. The main purpose was to keep the epaulette from slipping from the shoulder sling ‘cartridge bags. Jacket hollow of hooks and loops sewn to the sides of the lapels. Unfasten the jacket winter and fell down. In cold weather the soldiers wore a short jacket kamzolchik sleeveless. Comfortable and spacious were woolen pants (trousers). At the bottom of both legs for strength sewn leather leggings.